Independent cushion thigh support

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly includes a base seat defining a seating surface configured to position an H-point of an occupant at a predetermined location. The base seat includes first and second sides. First and second seat bolsters are disposed at the first and second sides, respectively, of the base seat. First and second thigh supports are disposed forward of the base seat. The first and second thigh supports define a cushion split. A transverse seam extends across a forward edge of the base seat. The transverse seam is forward of the H-point a predetermined distance. The first and second thigh supports are pivotable about an axis disposed at the predetermined distance forward of the H-point.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly, and more particularly to an independent cushion thigh support for a vehicle seating assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Modern vehicle seats are becoming more and more comfortable as a further understanding of human ergonomics, posture, and comfortability is studied. Vehicle seating assemblies that include comfort components in the vehicle seat back and the vehicle seat can provide the driver and passengers with improved comfort and increased endurance for extensive vehicle rides. Additionally, various sizes and shapes of drivers and passengers can prove challenging when providing vehicle seating assemblies. Accordingly, vehicle seating assemblies that include components to accommodate the different sizes and shapes of drivers and passengers, as well as the desired posture and sitting positions of those drivers and passengers, has become increasingly important.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a base seat defining a seating surface configured to position an H-point of an occupant at a predetermined location. The base seat includes first and second sides. First and second seat bolsters are disposed at the first and second sides, respectively, of the base seat. First and second thigh supports are disposed forward of the base seat. The first and second thigh supports define a cushion split. A transverse seam extends across a forward edge of the base seat. The transverse seam is forward of the H-point a predetermined distance. The first and second thigh supports are pivotable about an axis disposed at the predetermined distance forward of the H-point.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a base seat with first and second bolsters on each side of the base seat. First and second thigh supports are disposed forward of the base seat, and define a cushion split extending from a predetermined distance forward of an occupant H-point to a forward edge of said vehicle seating assembly. The thigh supports are pivotable about a transverse axis disposed directly below a front of the base seat.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a base seat defining a seating surface configured to position an H-point of an occupant at a predetermined location. First and second thigh supports are disposed forward of the base seat, and define a cushion split at a predetermined distance forward of the H-point. The first and second thigh supports are pivotable about an axis disposed at the predetermined distance forward of the H-point.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a base seat defining a seating surface configured to position an H-point of an occupant at a predetermined location above the seating surface. First and second thigh supports are disposed forward of the base seat and are configured to rotate about an access forward of the H-point at a position that is anthropomorphically desirable. The first and second thigh supports provided improved comfort to reduce muscle strain and improve leg support in conformity with the general structure of the occupant's body, and specifically, the hamstring, buttocks, and related tendons of the occupant's body. Consequently, the H-point is aligned at a centerline axis of the seat and provides enhanced thigh support and comfort that mimics the shape of the back of the human leg relative to the hamstring tendon outward toward the underside of the knee, while the occupant is in a seated position. The split at the pivot is maintained both in the stowed and deployed positions of the first and second thigh supports, and is designed to optimize comfort in use positions for occupants ranging from the smallest (fifth percentile females) to the largest (ninety-fifth percentile males).

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seating assembly of the present disclosure disposed in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a seating surface of a vehicle seating assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of a vehicle seating assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view a vehicle seating assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational view of a vehicle seating assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational view of a vehicle seating assembly supporting an occupant having a size/weight of a fifth percentile female; and

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevational view of a vehicle seating assembly supporting an occupant having a size/weight of ninety-fifth percentile male.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to the embodiment generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seating assembly having a base seat 12 defining a seating surface 14 configured to position an H-point 16 of an occupant at a predetermined location relative to the vehicle seating assembly 10. The base seat 12 includes first and second sides 18, 20. First and second seat bolsters 22, 24 are disposed at the first and second sides 18, 20, respectively, of the base seat 12. First and second thigh supports 26, 28 are disposed forward of the base seat 12. The first and second thigh supports 26, 28 define a cushion split 30 at a transverse seam 32 extending across a forward edge 34 of the base seat 12 between the first and second seat bolsters 22, 24. The transverse seam 32 is forward of the H-point 16 a predetermined distance. The first and second thigh supports 26, 28 are pivotable about an axis 35 disposed at the predetermined distance forward of the H-point 16.

With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is generally directed to a vehicle seating assembly for use in a vehicle 40, such as a car, a truck, a van, etc. It is also contemplated that the concept set forth in this disclosure may be utilized in a front or forward seat of the vehicle as well as rear or rearward seats of the vehicle 40. The vehicle seating assembly 10, as illustrated, includes a base 42 that is positioned on rail slides 44 to allow fore and aft movement of the vehicle seating assembly 10 relative to the vehicle 40. The base seat 12 is positioned on the base 42 and is movable relative thereto, as set forth in further detail below. In addition, the vehicle seating assembly 10 includes a seatback 46 having a lower lumbar region 48 and an upper thoracic region 50 as well as a head restraint 52. Each of the components of the seatback 46 may be configured for adjustability to properly support the weight of occupants of different sizes when seated inside the vehicle 40.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the seating surface of the base seat 12 is generally configured to position the H-point 16 of an occupant at a predetermined location. This may be accomplished in a number of ways, including providing cushions with a predetermined density and thickness that allow an occupant that falls within the fifth percentile female D (FIG. 7) to ninety-fifth percentile male E (FIG. 8) to settle to a predetermined location. The base seat 12 includes a front, a rear, and first and second sides. The base seat 12 is disposed behind first and second thigh supports 26, 28 and between first and second seat bolsters 22, 24. The first and second seat bolsters 22, 24 are generally fixed relative to the base seat 12 such that the first and second seat bolsters 22, 24, as illustrated, do not move, unless physically compressed by the occupant. However, it is generally contemplated that the first and second seat bolsters 22, 24 may be configured for movement, depending on the use of the vehicle seat. Indeed, the first and second thigh supports 26, 28 are configured to move. The first and second thigh supports 26, 28 may be configured to move forward and rearward along arrow A, and also may be configured to rotate about the pivot axis 35 in the direction of arrow B, which is disposed at a predetermined distance C forward from the H-point 16. This predetermined distance C is specifically configured to accommodate the back of a human leg of a fifth percentile female D (FIG. 7) to a ninety-fifth percentile male E (FIG. 8). Traditional tilt mechanisms, and the axis of rotation of such axis, are not selected based on anthropomorphic considerations. Traditional tilt mechanisms are generally constructed based on desired seat dimensions that allow for affordable and easy to manufacture seats that are frequently uncomfortable. Consequently, a seat arrangement that provides cushion thigh support at a pivot location that enhances comfort and mimics the shape of the back of a human leg relative to the human leg hamstring tendon outward toward the knee, while in a seated position, is beneficial. Stated differently, the sizes and dimensions, as set forth herein, provide improved results as compared to traditional seating arrangements, because they are specifically directed to occupants that fall within the entire range of fifth percentile female to ninety-fifth percentile male. Traditional seating arrangements are geared to a consumer size that is easy and affordable to manufacture.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the first and second thigh supports 26, 28 are configured to rotate about a position that is approximately 148 mm forward of the predetermined location of the H-point 16. It will be understood that the pivot axis may reside in a variety of predetermined locations between the range of 130 mm to 170 mm, or between 145 mm and 160 mm. Positioning the pivot axis at this distance forward of the predetermined location of the H-point 16 allows for the first and second thigh supports 26, 28 to pivot upwardly and downwardly without putting undue strain on the hamstring tendon of an occupant. Positioning of the pivot axis too far forward, as is typical in the prior art, results in more isolated contact under the knee, which puts strain on the hamstring tendon. Positioning the pivot axis too far rearward, which is also frequently seen in the prior art, results in the entire seat structure rotating downward, resulting in lack of desired support under the knee of the occupant. The particular distances and measurements of the pivot axis 35 of the first and second thigh supports 26, 28 are important, as these distances are specifically tuned to the size and weight of occupants that utilize the vehicle. It will generally be understood that the first and second thigh supports 26, 28 may include a mechanism that allows for rotation of the first and second thigh supports 26, 28 in unison, or independently. In addition, it is generally contemplated that the first and second thigh supports 26, 28 and the mechanism that supports the first and second thigh supports 26, 28 may be operably coupled with a motor that allows for movement of the first and second thigh supports 26, 28 in unison, or independently, to rotate or pivot upward and downward. Notably, a seatback 46 is independently adjustable relative to the base seat 12, and is generally configured to only minimally affect the predetermined location of the H-point 16.

The aforementioned manual leg tilt assembly provides a simple, easy-to-use, and reliable system that allows for easy adjustment of the forward portion of a vehicle seat while keeping overall costs and weight reduced on the overall vehicle seating assembly.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a base seat defining a seating surface configured to position an H-point of an occupant at a predetermined location, the base seat including first and second sides; first and second seat bolsters disposed at the first and second sides, respectively, of the base seat; a transverse seam extending across a forward edge of the base seat; and first and second independently adjustable thigh supports disposed forward of the base seat, the first and second independently adjustable thigh supports defining a cushion split of the transverse seam, wherein the distance from the H-point to the cushion split is between 130 mm and 170 mm, and further wherein the first and second independently adjustable thigh supports are pivotable about an axis disposed at a predetermined distance forward of the H-point coinciding with the forward edge of the base seat.
 2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the distance from the H-point to the cushion split is about 148 mm.
 3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second independently adjustable thigh supports are configured to rotate in unison only.
 4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and second independently adjustable thigh supports are independently rotatable.
 5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a motor configured to pivot the first and second independently adjustable thigh supports about the axis.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a seatback that is independently adjustable relative to the base seat.
 7. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a base seat; first and second bolsters on each side of the base seat; and first and second independently adjustable thigh supports disposed forward of the base seat, and defining a cushion split extending from a predetermined distance forward of an occupant H-point to a forward edge of said vehicle seating assembly, the thigh supports being pivotable about a transverse axis disposed directly below a front of the base seat.
 8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the distance from the H-point to the cushion split is between about 130 mm and 170 mm.
 9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the distance from the H-point to the cushion split is about 148 mm.
 10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second independently adjustable thigh supports are configured to rotate in unison only.
 11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second independently adjustable thigh supports independently rotatable.
 12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, further comprising: a motor configured to pivot the first and second independently adjustable thigh supports about the axis.
 13. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a base seat; and first and second thigh supports disposed forward of the base seat, and defining a cushion split at a predetermined distance forward of an H-point, wherein the first and second thigh supports are pivotable about an axis disposed at the predetermined distance forward of the H-point coinciding with a forward edge of the base seat.
 14. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13, wherein the distance from the H-point to the cushion split is between about 130 mm and 170 mm.
 15. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13, wherein the distance from the H-point to the cushion split is about 148 mm.
 16. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13, wherein the first and second thigh supports are configured to rotate in unison only.
 17. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second thigh supports are independently rotatable.
 18. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13, further comprising: a motor configured to pivot the first and second thigh supports about the axis.
 19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13, further comprising: thigh bolsters maintaining a fixed position relative to the base seat. 